The longest-running German TV drama series, which is produced and aired continuously since 1970.
Between 1985 and 1989, the networks ARD from Germany and ORF from Austria co-produced thirteen episodes, which were only aired in Austria (see Tatort (1985)).
The introduction of the character Horst Schimanski (Götz George) in 1981 marked a strong change regarding the depiction of cops on German television. He became notorious for his rebellious and politically incorrect attitude, his frequent drinking, use of foul language and occasional use of violence. As those traits were unprecedented at the time, it gained the character a cult-status. Schimanski is also credited for making the word "shit" more socially acceptable, and in 1991, the German newspaper BILD even counted the number of times he used it. In many polls, Schimanski was voted the most popular character of the show.
Horst Lettenmeyer was the actor who was filmed for the closeup shots of his eyes and his legs that are shown in the opening sequence. He had been paid about 400 Deutsche Mark for his work. The opening sequence became a trademark of the series and is used in every episode to this day.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
